Crazy Week

We've had a busy busy week. There was something scheduled everyday, and on three days there were multiple things scheduled. We're looking forward to a quieter week this week (is it possible??).

On Friday we were invited to a birthday party. After the party when I went to pick up the boys all that I could find were (2) Darthmal's and (1) tiger. Thankfully after a good face scrubbing I was happy to discover that I had brought home the right children :)

Cleared for takeoff...

I wear a lot of hats in my every day life, but today I wore the hat of "Captain Melanie". After lunch I took the opportunity to fly for about 45 minutes in a private aircraft. Here's some pictures from the cockpit. Okay, okay so it wasn't a real plane, but it was a real cockpit in the form of a flight simulator. I met some friends (former co-workers) for lunch and to fly the simulator at Simuflight. We did several take-offs and landings. I'm quite wobbly on my landings, and gained new-found respect for pilots!! As an added bonus, I was taking off and landing at the Zurich airport (sorry Chris & Corina that I wasn't able to drop in and see our cute nephew Jamon!). This reminded me of the days many many moons ago when I worked as a software engineer for Hughes Training and Raytheon on the B2 bomber and F16. Good times!

Handsome Trio

Last week after school we enjoyed the afternoon down by a creek, which incidentally is much better than being up a creek. I was able to get some good pictures of my handsome boys.

This one of Ryan really shows off his "angelic" qualities, look at the way the light just smiles rights down on him ;)

Have a good week! Take an opportunity to laugh this week, remember one of my favorite quotes "Laugh often, it's like inner jogging."

Hurricane Ike Damage

For our out-of-state family and friends....we wanted to update you about the damage we sustained from Hurricane Ike yesterday. Here's a picture detailing the damage we experienced here at our home:

There is no need to adjust your computer screen. What you are seeing is correct, no damage! The hurricane passed to our east and we only received minimal rain (possibly an inch) and some windy conditions all day. Needless to say, the boys soccer games were cancelled and we enjoyed a relaxing day at home. It turned out to be a very musical day. After breakfast Dylan and I were sitting at the table and he started banging on different surfaces with his fork. I joined in and we explored various sounds that we could make. After being joined by two other very curious boys I showed them that you could sit out several glasses which are the same size and fill them with varying amounts of water. Then you can get very different sounds just based on the amount of water each glass contains. This brought back fond memories of when I was a child and my father built a musical instrument from various sizes of lead pipes which he suspended with string from a piece of wood. It's always fun to relive a good memory isn't it??

Anyone Know A Good Painter?

This sign hangs above the hallway leading to the boys bedrooms. It is a favorite of mine. However, I'm thinking of hiring a painter to make some modifications, how about "Mothers of little boys work from before son up till long after son down."

Also, if you might allow me a bragging moment. It appears I've still got it, Motherhood hasn't stolen as many brain cells away from me as I had feared. I received notice that I passed my Anatomy & Physiology class and as icing on the cake I scored an "A". Yippee. One class down, 22 more to go. Wish me luck (I'll need it).

S-O-C-C-E-R Kickoff

Saturday marked the official start of the Fall soccer season. Jake is playing for his ninth consecutive season, and is on his third season with the same team. He just started a new division which has moved him to full-sized fields with 7 players on the field at one time. He started the game by scoring the very first goal of the season for his team! Great job Jake!

Dylan is playing his third season, his second season with his current team. He also had a great game and scored a goal. He was thrilled that his game was in the evening and John was able to attend too! Way to go Dylan!

It Was The Best of Times....It Was The Worst of Times

Now that summer break is officially over, it's time for a recap. Here is our top five worst & best times from the summer of 2008.

Summer 2008 Worst of Times

• Summer was too short
• We didn't go on an "official" summer vacation
• According to the boys..."jobs" every day ;(
• Our first head injuries, Dylan suffered a minor concussion, Ryan cut his head...twice :(
• Our Air Conditioner went out in JULY!!

Summer 2008 Best of Times

• Texas Rangers Baseball Game
• Ringling Brothers Circus
• According to Melanie...the boys did "jobs" every day ;)
• Fun...friends...swimming...relaxing
• Jake was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints by his Grandpa Anderson.